Saturday 2 August 2014

Ngā Ruahine signing of deed of settlement important occasion

Te Tai Hauāuru MP and Māori Party Co-leader Tariana Turia says this weeks signing of the deed of settlement for Ngā Ruahine to settle historic claims is an important occasion for all the people of Taranaki and indeed New Zealand.

The signing ceremony took place at Te Ngutu o Te Manu, the site of a battle field and now historic reserve in South Taranaki yesterday. The settlement includes acknowledgements, an apology and redress for the Crown’s actions and omissions, including confiscation post 1840.

"This is an historic moment for Ngā Ruahine. It is also important occasion for all the people of New Zealand – to recognise and acknowledge that like other tribes in this country, Ngā Ruahine has waited a long time for this day to come. I mihi to our whanaunga for their patience and perseverance. We know that iwi and hapū will never ever be fully compensated for what was stolen from them. The treaty settlements process therefore is not about justice – it is about moving forward and planning for the future.”

“The shameful events associated with the Taranaki wars, bitter land confiscations and land sale practices that deprived Ngā Ruahine of the economic use of their assets have caused enormous injury to the people of this rohe. The signing is a step towards a more positive future, a future that we should be proud to invest in,” says Tariana Turia.

The settlement package is valued at around $67.5 million and includes a right of deferred selection over 12 sites and the purchase of two South Taranaki District Council sites.

It also includes four culturally significant sites - Waipakari Reserve, Te Kohinga Reserve, Te Ngutu o te Manu and Te Poho o Taranaki.

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